DR Guide for Humans: Keys to Understanding MDR, EDR, NDR, XDR (PART 2)
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
EDR protects organizations' endpoints and surpasses the capabilities of traditional antivirus solutions focused solely on preventing known attacks. Its main strength is detecting and responding to advanced threats that have evaded previous security controls.
Main characteristics:
- Continuous monitoring: Monitors endpoints to detect zero-day malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks.
- Behavioral analysis: Uses AI and MITRE's ATT&CK framework to classify malicious applications and tactics.
- Telemetry log: Stores data for one year for continuous analysis, as in WatchGuard solutions.
Practical example:
Detects an anomalous encryption attempt on an endpoint and isolates it before the ransomware spreads.
NDR (Network Detection and Response)
NDR analyzes network traffic in real time, providing deep visibility without the need for agents on individual devices.
Main characteristics:
- Lateral analysis: Monitors traffic between subnets and internal devices.
- Anomaly identification: Detects communications with C&C servers and exfiltration techniques.
- Flexibility: Deployment in the Cloud or local hardware as needed.
Practical example:
Identifies an unusual increase in traffic to a suspicious external server and blocks the connection before a data breach occurs.
XDR (Extended Detection and Response)
XDR combines data from endpoints, networks and cloud applications to provide a unified view and respond to advanced threats.
Main characteristics:
- Advanced correlation: Combines multiple vectors to detect complex attacks.
- Reduction of false positives: AI that improves accuracy by correlating suspicious events.
- Centralized management: Unified platform to optimize security operations.
Practical example:
Correlate an unauthorized access attempt in the cloud with anomalous activity on an endpoint, indicating a potential account compromise.
MDR (Managed Detection and Response)
MDR combines advanced technology and cybersecurity experts to manage real-time detection and response.
The pillars of the MDR:
- Continuous monitoring: Monitoring of events from multiple sources to detect IoCs and IoAs.
- Threat hunting: Real-time and historical analysis to detect hidden malicious activity.
- Strategic response: Uses the 5Ws (who, what, where, when, why) plus how to contain and mitigate incidents quickly.
- Ongoing improvement: Reinforces safety posture through lessons learned.
Practical example:
A MDR service detects and blocks a brute-force attack in real time and advises the customer to implement multi-factor authentication.
Conclusion
EDR, NDR and XDR solutions are key components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, while MDR acts as a strategic enabler by combining technology and human expertise. With these complementary approaches, organizations can address increasingly sophisticated threats with confidence and resilience.
More information in post part 1 of this series.
